In 881, three years after the death of Rhodri at the hands of the English, his son Anarawd confronted the Mercians at Conwy.
In 878, Rhodri Mawr was slain by the English along with his son Gwriad. The Annales Cambriae notes their deaths at the hands of “the Saxons”, although it does not specify the location. Documented: Annales Cambriae, death entry labelled 877 in the linked translation; dated 878 by J. E. Lloyd Historian J. E. Lloyd attributes Rhodri’s death to the Mercians. Documented: J. E. Lloyd, Dictionary of Welsh Biography, “Anarawd ap Rhodri”
How Did the Battle Unfold?
In 881, the Mercians faced a decisive defeat along the banks of the River Conwy. J. E. Lloyd identifies Rhodri’s son Anarawd, who succeeded him as ruler of Gwynedd, as the one who emerged victorious. Documented: J. E. Lloyd, Dictionary of Welsh Biography, “Anarawd ap Rhodri”
The Annales Cambriae succinctly records this significant event:
The battle of Conwy. Vengeance for Rhodri at God’s hand.
Documented: Annales Cambriae, Conwy entry labelled 880 in the linked translation; battle dated 881 by J. E. Lloyd
This brief entry does not mention the names of the commanders or specify the opposing forces. Nevertheless, it clearly links the battle to the theme of vengeance for Rhodri.
What Sources Inform This Historical Account?
- Annales Cambriae, English translation, Internet Medieval Sourcebook, Fordham University. The relevant entries are labelled 877 and 880 in this translation.
- J. E. Lloyd, “Anarawd ap Rhodri”, Dictionary of Welsh Biography. This source provides the dates 878 and 881, along with insights into the Mercian involvement and Anarawd’s triumph.
It is likely that the Mercian army was commanded by Æthelred, Lord of the Mercians. A subsequent Welsh genealogical account refers to the commander as “Edryd Long-Hair”, who is commonly associated with Æthelred. Inferred
What Were the Aftermath and Consequences?
The victory at Conwy did not signify the end of Anarawd’s interactions with external powers. Asser, in his Life of King Alfred written in 893, recounts how Anarawd and an unnamed brother severed their ties with the Northumbrians to seek support from Alfred. Asser notes that their previous alliance with the Northumbrians had brought Anarawd “no good but harm”. Documented: Asser, Life of King Alfred, chapter 80
Alfred received Anarawd with honour, offering him gifts and acting as his sponsor during his confirmation. Asser indicates that Anarawd then pledged allegiance to Alfred along with all of his people, under similar terms as those agreed by Æthelred and the Mercians. Documented: Asser, Life of King Alfred, chapter 80
Where Can You Find More Information?
- Annales Cambriae (Annals of Wales), English translation, includes entries that document the deaths of Rhodri and Gwriad as well as the battle of Conwy, labelled as 877 and 880 in this version, differing from the 878 and 881 dates referenced here.
- Asser, Life of King Alfred, translated by Albert S. Cook, chapter 80, detailing Anarawd’s alliance with the Northumbrians and his subsequent submission to Alfred.
- J. E. Lloyd, “Anarawd ap Rhodri”, Dictionary of Welsh Biography, for information on Anarawd’s succession, his victory at Conwy, and relations with neighbouring powers.
- Thomas Jones Pierce, “Rhodri Mawr”, Dictionary of Welsh Biography, providing an overview of Rhodri’s reign and dynasty, with his death dated to 877.
